I was moved by the presentation that is going across the net the past week- I run open mics and am having a fundraiser for charity July 31st and Aug 21st- WAMPP Wine Art Music Poetry Project.

However in spite of how we go on with our daily lives- working, eating, drinking good wines, and heading down to the Jersey shore on the weekends, we have to remember that others lives are devastated and have had to make changes that affect them and their families for years to come.

We know first hand what it is like to reflect on life, what it holds, and what it takes away from us. I myself have lost something I cherished dearly, and have had to move on, but it has made me more sensitive to others for that very reason.

Sometimes its others fault, and sometimes its just what the cards hold for our destiny- you cannot pair a wine with sorrow, pain, or disaster. Only share a good bottle with friends and family and take the time to reflect the good things we are able to have each day.

Please take a moment and remember these people, their family and friends who might live a different life than we do…make that next ‘Cheers’ when you clink your glass with friends and help support their cause friends…

Issues with an overload of viewing the ‘Drew Landry BP Blues’ video will not stay on here, but go check him out, as he is really a great singer/songwriter, and what he has written about the BP Oil Spill (my own roots in the south) is worthy of viewing…

In memoriam of the ones lost to war, disease, and to the ones who lost their lives for human error…

More than two hundred years ago, London’s Royal Society of the Arts recognized two New Jersey vintners for their success in producing the first bottles of quality wine derived from colonial agriculture. Today New Jersey’s wineries continue the tradition of producing high quality wines. But New Jersey’s 30+ wineries offer more than just nationally and internationally acclaimed wines, they offer a total wine experience.

Savor New Jersey’s award-winning wines at wineries nestled amid rolling hills and breathtaking scenery. Sample the wines and taste the quality for yourself. Browse the gift shops and tour the winery to see how and where the wine is made.

Garden State Wine Growers Association Need a new passport? Pick up your Passport to the NJ Wine Country when you take a Walk In the Vineyard Wine Trail Weekend, July 17 & 18, 2010 at wineries across the state. Be the first start your 2010 NJ Wine Country adventure.

We suggest you hit one of the ‘Outter Coastal Plain’ wineries in South Jersey. Among them Amalthea winery- 409 Vineyard Road, Atco, New Jersey. The beautiful sprawling tree and grass covered property is surrounded by Amalthea’s small vineyard. Once you turn off the main road and begin down the gravel pathway- you feel the world was left behind and the historic ‘Green Tavern Inn’ and Wine Makers Cottage become a peaceful getaway into a wine lovers paradise. Enter the tasting room and have some well developed whites to reds while the staff is thoroughly trained in vine growth, varietals, to blending styles the owner has created from extensive training in France.

Events: Barrel Tasting- Enjoy a signature Chardonnay Caesar Salad and other delights while tasting some of next years vintages, and placing your six bottle limit order for your favorite pick! $10 per person, 12-5 PM Saturday and Sunday, July 17th & 18th- 2010

WAMPP– Wine Art Music Poetry Project, July 31st, 11-5 PM- Enjoy music, poetry, and art while enjoying wine and food as local and New Jersey grass root performers entertain you throughout the afternoon. Bring lawn chairs and blankets to spread out picnic style across the beautiful lawn of Amalthea Cellars in the shade of this tree covered property!

This past weekend the winery was flooded with new comers and followers of Amalthea bringing friends and family to taste their favorites, and walked away with new favorites. One man shared with me his love for the winemaker, Louis Caracciolo’s skill in his top blend, Europa- a European style reminiscent of an exquisite Bordeaux style. This winery holds all makes and styles of wine, so there is sure to be a bottle with your name somewhere on the property!

In 1976, the first vineyards were planted at Amalthea Cellars. Founder Louis Caracciolo’s infatuation with wine making began as a young boy making wine in the cellar of his Italian immigrant grandfather. Emilio brought the art from “The Old Country” at the age of thirteen to the southern New Jersey town of Blue Anchor at the turn of the century. Being exposed to the charm of wine making at an early age ignited a passion that continues to this day at Amalthea Cellars. Caracciolo often says of his philosophical grandfather, “I came on the scene with an unlit torch and my grandfather passed the flame.”

Want a sexy hot spot to take summer guest and people watch, or an out-of-town client to wine and dine? Before or after summer is in full swing The Wine Loft is your destination. Who doesn’t like beach combing? A good eatery and wine bar has grown in popularity and part of this activity. After April you may be at risk of sudden squalls, but no worries, just run for the cover of The Wine Loft, Long Beach in Pier Village.

Pier Village is one of the areas upscale draws for a ‘hip foodie’ crowd on the shore. TWL offers wines by the glass, specialty cocktails, wine flights, and great prices on bottles are a draw. The menu reads like a tapas bar (small plates), but no worries, prices match the wine list, and normal for portion size. Wine tastings are offered during weeknights- a great way to work your way around any wine list.

Want to nosh, try the many appetizer choices- their cheese platter with an Irish Porter Stout is meaty (all are good), a good pairing with their Pinot Noir (New World) flight, or Iron Horse Chardonnay (hints of oak). They will enthusiastically bring more baby gherkins, bread or other additions if you ask. The wild mushroom bruschetta was absolutely incredible and easy to share. We also got crab/shrimp and blue cheese in puff pastry with sweet chili sauce. Need more; order salads or a larger entrée portion- .

The bartenders/staff are friendly, knowledgeable about the food, as well as the drinks they pour. This is a great end to a day at the beach, or before eating at one of the restaurants around the corner. Skip dessert and take a walk around the pier as you gaze out into the ocean’s sunset, or your partner’s eyes.

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Weekly Calendar– PIWC will be posting weekly must haves, tasting notes, events, and happenings at the beginning of each week. Here you will find the hot new wine, food, beer, and spirit news PIWC can bring to our readers. ‘Corky’ is out on the streets doing his best investigative reporting on all subjects!

Market Monday

Tasting Tuesday-

Each week PIWC will feature Guest Writers, and Restaurant Reviews- either industry professionals or fantastic blogs we feel you need to discover!

This week Writer, Elizabeth Willsy (Beer For Wine Lovers) is going to share some ‘Win(e)ing wisdom… Re-posted on Thursday, 3/18- due to technical reasons…

Wine Down Wednesday-

Chef E shares weekly food and wine pairings…’Does The Wine Make The Glass’- Four Styles Tested in a Crowd!

Thirsty Thursday-

Wine Enthusiast and writer Adrienne Turner will share bottle notes from her cellar down under…

Frugal Friday-

‘Corky’ will bring you a list of must have bargain wines…

Simply Saturday-

PIWC will present local food, wine, art, and other must attend related events for the upcoming week…

If readers have any questions or information they are seeking about related subject matter, please let us know. We will try to find out, and answer your questions from our own experience, or seek out other professionals we can refer you to!

News Flash: No snow or rain predicted for this weekend. And belive it or not it’s also the first day of spring. In honor of spring and the dry weather, let’s get ready to party and stir up this eceonomy. I say “the hell with the recession” . The recession is suppose to be over. This along with the lovely, dry weather in NJ is reason enough to celebrate.

In honor of spring and dry weather, PIWC recommends the following events in New Jersey and surronding areas:

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Like this:

Weekly Calendar– PIWC will be posting weekly must haves, tasting notes, events, and happenings at the beginning of each week. Here you will find the hot new wine, food, beer, and spirit news PIWC can bring to our readers. ‘Corky’ is out on the streets doing his best investigative reporting on all subjects!

Wine Down Wednesday-

Thirsty Thursday-

Frugal Friday-

‘Corky’ will bring you a list of must have bargain wines…

Simply Saturday-

PIWC will present local food, wine, art, and other must attend related events for the upcoming week…

If readers have any questions or information they are seeking about related subject matter, please let us know. We will try to find out, and answer your questions from our own experience, or seek out other professionals we can refer you to!